INTERNAL IMPORTANT WORKS 3
TRANSFERT OF MEMORY 3
STRATEGIC PLANNING 3
MEETING OF PARTNERS 3
INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL/ TEAM SKYPE MEETINGS 3
WORKSHOP WITH UN ADVOCACY TEAM AND MEDIA TEAM IN PARIS 3
I. REPRESENTATION & ADVOCACY 4
I-1. IMCS UN ADVOCACY TEAM REPORT 4
I.2. UNESCO 7
I.3. ISCAMs MEETING 7
I.4. VISIT TO VATICAN 8
I.5. 105TH SESSION OF THE INTERNATIONAL LABOR CONFERENCE 10
I.6. WORLD YOUTH DAY 10
I.7. JECI-MIEC EUROPEAN CONGRESS 11
I.8. ICMICA PAX ROMANA WORLD ASSEMBLY IN BARCELONA 11
I.9. CONGRESS OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS IN ROME 13
II. TRAININGS & CAMPAIGNS 14
II.1. INTERNATIONAL CAMPAIGN "LET'S READ LAUDATO SI" 14
II.2. INQUIRY AND REPORT ON: "LAUDATO SI IN THE WORLD OF CATHOLIC STUDENTS" 14
II.3. TRAINING AND COMMUNICATION CAMPAIGNS: "Laudato Si and youth responsibility" (PHASIS I). 14
II.POSTPONED INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL/ STUDY SESSION IN ITALY 15
III. MONITORING VISITS 16
III.1. FUCI NATIONAL CONGRESS 16
III.2. BANGLADESH CATHOLIC STUDENTS MOVEMENT 16
III.3. ALL INDIA CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY FEDERATION (AICUF) 17
III.4. MONITORING VISIT IN NEPAL 20-24 OCTOBER 2016 17
IV.NEWS FROM OUR REGIONS 18
AFRICA 18
ASIA PACIFIC 20
EUROPE 22
LATIN AMERICA 22
NORTH AMERICA 22
WHAT TO COME FOR 2017? 23
HOPES 23
UPCOMING EVENTS & CALLS 23
FINANCIAL REPORT 24
CO
NTE
NT
“To live without faith, without patrimony to de-
fend, without steady struggle for truth, is not to
live but get along. We must never just get along”
Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, founder member of
IMCS Pax Romana.
Dear readers!
We have just completed an important milestone at
IMCS Pax Romana and we are pleased to present our
report on our 2016 activities.
It is wonderful to see each year end with the joy of Christ
who is present in a small child, in a manger! It is an ex-
ample of humility that leads us to glorify God for our
achievements throughout the entire year.
In the summer of 2015, we had our last World Assembly,
which allowed us to have a new international team for
the next four years. This meeting was crucial in the life of
our movement as it spoke of the new challenges facing
the movement. From then on, we worked together on
innovative initiatives to respond more effectively to the
needs of the moment, a few years from the celebration
of our centenary in 2021.
INTRODUCTION
At the end of this work, three main subjects resulting
from the international preliminary investigation were
confirmed as defining the framework of the movement.
These are Sustainable Development (focused on Lauda-
to Si and SDGs), Human Rights and Intercultural Dia-
logue (Interfaith Dialogue) and the need for structural
reinforcement identified as the basis of our effective-
ness.
2016 was full of activity and innovation in line with our
latest resolutions. It was full of challenges but also
crowned with hopes insofar as the vitality and potentiali-
ties of the movement were confirmed.
Three major parties organize our annual activities:
Internal works
representation and advocacy, much of which was
facilitated by the United Nations advocacy team;
communication and training campaigns and
monitoring visits by the international team.
We thank all the national and regional coordina-
tors, our advocacy team at the United Nations, all
our support teams, our ICMICA Pax Romana advi-
sors and all the leaders of the movement who con-
tributed to the success of this year. We say a sin-
cere thanks to our partners who always trust us and
who believe in the transforming force of youth de-
spite its imperfections.
INTERNAL IMPORTANT WORKS A.TRANSMISSION OF MEMORY
On their arrival in Paris the new team was entitled to
a transmission of folders with the outgoing Secretary
Generql Camila Jara Aparicio. This transmission of
memory that lasted 3 months (Jqnuqry to March)
allowed the new team to see closely all the work
carried out by the outgoing team, that in progress,
as well as useful contacts to know. It was also the
period for the team to complete the administrative
formalities necessary for residence in France.
B. STRATEGIC PLANNING
From April to July, the international team worked
on the strategic planning of the movement for the
next 4 years. On this occasion, the main lines of
action were defined as well as the strategies for
achieving our objectives. This strategic plan insists
on the structural reform of the movement in a
context of major social and political transforma-
tions requiring more resources on the part of the
movement to innovate and answer the more con-
crete questions in an effective way.
C. MEETING OF PARTNERS
On its arrival in Paris, the International Team organi-
zed meetings with partners supporting its actions.
These meetings are usually done by Skype and / or
physical visits and are aimed at introducing the
new team, presenting the plan of activities to come
and also discussing the priorities of the funding
agencies. These meetings or visits continued
throughout the year for specific projects.
INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL/ TEAM SKYPE MEETINGS
The International Council, made up of regional coordi-
nators, had four Skype meetings during the year. In these
meetings: they discussed regional activities and chal-
lenges as well as the implementation of global initiatives
such as the Laudato Si Campaign.
The international team, on the other hand, has constant
meetings to assess the work done and plan future activi-
ties.
E. WORKSHOP WITH UN ADVOCACY
TEAM AND MEDIA TEAM IN PARIS
The meeting we are having aims to be an opportunity to
reflect seriously on the state of the movement globally,
but especially the United Nations Advocacy Team. It will
be an opportunity as well to plan upcoming activities by
going through the strategic plan of IMCS internationally.
Since the International Council 2016 could not take
place, it will be possible to go through the reflection doc-
ument proposed for the IC
I. REPRESENTATION & ADVOCACY
I-1. IMCS UN ADVOCACY TEAM REPORT
Building on its previous years of hard work, the Pax Ro-
mana United Nations Advocacy Team is now more in-
volved in UN processes than ever before. By engaging
in advocacy through entities such as the UN Major
Group for Children and Youth (UN MGCY) and the In-
ternational Coordination Meeting of Youth Organiza-
tions (ICMYO), for which the Team acts as formal Liai-
son to the UN, the Advocacy Team has fostered rela-
tionships within a wide range of UN pro-
cesses ,including:
2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development ;
● High‐Level Political Forum (HLPF) ;
● Third UN Conference on Housing and Sustainable
Urban Development ‐ Habitat III ;
● World Humanitarian Summit (WHS) ;
● UN General Assembly, as well as the Commission
on Social Development (CSocD) and the Com-
mission on the Status of Women (CSW) ;
● Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) ;
● Financing for Development (FfD) ;
● Science‐Policy Interface (SPI) ;
● United Nations Conference on Trade and Deve-
lopment 14 (UNCTAD);
Despite its modest size, the UN Advocacy Team works
efficiently to maintain productivity while managing its
many engagements. As a result, the Advocacy Team is a
highly influential and respected group, which has contri-
buted to the outcome of each of the processes listed
above.
In September 2015, the 2030 Agenda for Sustai-
nable Development was adopted, after years of
intensive intergovernmental negotiations (IGNs).
Given the significance of this Agenda, the Advoca-
cy Team has been especially active in sustainable
development. In addition to following the IGNs and
engaging Member States, the Advocacy Team
had cooperated with other youth organizations
and faith based organizations (FBOs) in helping to
prepare statements and advocacy material ad-
dressing Member States in the months leading up to
the September Summit. These statements featured
language suggestions for the Agenda’s outcome
document, and challenged Member States to
keep the rights of youth, the planet, and the hu-
man person at the forefront of the Agenda. In addi-
tion, the UN Advocacy Team delivered a state-
ment on behalf of the UN MGCY at the 2015 HLPF,
reminding Member States to partner with youth
and take seriously the transformative changes
needed to achieve the paradigm shift called for in
the 2030 Agenda.
In the lead up to the 2016 HLPF, the team has con-
cluded its work of chairing a process of establishing
the crucial Major Groups and other Stakeholders
HLPF Coordination Mechanism, as to bring all major
groups and stakeholders that are active in sustai-
nable development together to influence the pro-
cess. It was the UN Advocacy Team that helped to
make sure this process was successful.
I.1.1 World humanitarian summit
The Advocacy Team has also
been active in the processes sur-
rounding the World Humanitarian
Summit. In early September 2015,
the Advocacy Team attended the
WHS Youth Consultation in Doha.
Although the Consultation was
organized chiefly by the UN
MGCY, the UN Advocacy Team
played a vital role in facilitating
the meetings during the three‐day conference and in
preparing the Consultation’s outcome document. Half a
year later, the Advocacy Team was active at the WHS in
Istanbul, with Team members speaking at panels, and
the new IMCS President having the opportunity to ad-
dress the WHS plenary on behalf of the movement and
the UN MGCY.
Indeed, from 23 to 24 May 2016, IMCS Pax Romana has
participated in the World Humanitarian Summit in Istan-
bul (Turkey). Our movement was represented by
Edouard Karoue (International President), Christophe
Dekki (the leader of the IMCS advocacy team in New
York) and Chantal Afou Bengaly (Outgoing Panafrican
Coordinator of IMCS). The summit convened by Ban Ki Moon follows the
current global humanitarian crisis caused by insecu-
rity in some part of our planet. This meeting aimed
to bring all world leaders (Heads of States and Go-
vernments, civil society organizations, international
organizations, etc.) to give a definitive answer to
the suffering of thousands of people.
Outside the plenary that allowed the leaders to make
accurate statements, side events were held to discuss in
depth the specific problems of some localities.
Moreover, in the line of the Youth Forum (held from 21 to
22), a round table on youth took place. The roundtable
bringing together leaders representing youth organiza-
tions, governments and international organizations in-
vested in humanitarian action, has to share around the
Pact of organizations in humanitarian actions. This pact,
summarizing 5 core lines, was ratified by several organisa-
tions, including IMCS Pax Romana.
I.1.2 UNCTAD 14
The 2016 UNCTAD 14 and Youth Forum was held on July
17‐22 in Nairobi, Kenya. The UN MGCY worked closely
with the UNCTAD 14 Secretariat to help facilitate the first
UNCTAD Youth Forum in order to ensure a meaningful
youth‐led process. The main objectives of the confe-
rence are to identify the role of trade in contributing to
the effective implementation of and follow‐up to the
2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and relevant
outcomes from global conferences and summits.
The youth forum followed the theme “The World We
Want” in order to give a voice to youth to be part of this
discussion. The Pax Romana UN Advocacy Team in New
York was integral in ensuring this Youth Forum takes place
and worked with UNCTAD in New York to help plan and
organize it. During the conference itself, IMCS ‐ Pax Ro-
mana
Pan‐African Coordinator Patrick Ochiba and Sameh Ka-
mel, member
of the United
nation team
helped facili-
tate events
and represent
the
movement.
I.1.3 HABITAT III
In preparation for Habitat III, the team has been
extremely active in advocacy around ensuring a
sustainable and just New Urban Agenda, the out-
come of the confe-
rence in Quito in Oc-
tober 2016. Since
early 2015, it was the
efforts of the Advo-
cacy Team as a fo-
cal organization that
ensured strong ac-
cess and advocacy of the youth movements of
the UN MGCY in the process.
From the second
Preparatory Com-
mittee in Nairobi in
April 2015 all the
way to negotiations
taking place in
2016, it was the UN
Advocacy Team
that has played a strong role in the work of civil so-
ciety towards a stronger and more sustainable out-
come.
The UN Advocacy Team also contributed to the
Habitat III positions of the UN MGCY by hosting a
number of youth consultations worldwide and en-
gaging the Asia‐Pacific Coordination of IMCS in the
Asia‐Pacific Urban Youth Forum, which was a side
event of the Asia‐Pacific High‐Level Regional Mee-
ting of Habitat III. The Advocacy Team helped
coordinate and train the many youth who at-
tended the forum and influenced the document
which ultimately summed up the positions of youth
in the region
towards the
process, the
APUFY Decla-
ration. The UN
Advocacy
Team conti-
nues its indis-
pensable role
in the process.
Despite the absence of some States, the summit was privileged
to bring together great personalities aware of shared responsi-
bility in the current suffering of vulnerable populations.
I.1.4Science-Policy Interface (SPI)
The Science‐Policy Interface (SPI) has become an increa-
singly important component of sustainable development
within the United Nations system. It provides the founda-
tion for empirically‐based policies, facilitates the use of
science as an enabler in policy implementation and re-
view, and provides a unique scientific lens into monitoring
impact. Furthermore, SPIs have been integral in identify
emerging priorities, drawing links between the intercon-
nected nature of thematic issues, and devising solutions to
address challenges and barriers to progress. The Rio+20
outcome document ‐ The Future We Want ‐ solidified the
role of SPIs and sought to operationalize its place within all
sustainable development processes.
The UN Advocacy Team has worked closely to help coor-
dinate activities within the UN MGCY Youth Science Policy
Interface Platform. It nitiated in January of 2016 at the
Science & Technology Conference for the Implementa-
tion of the Sendai Framework, it is meant to serve as a
channel for young scientists, engineers, practitioners, and
students, from both the social and natural sciences, to
contribute to the science‐policy interface within the UN
system.
Recently, the Team were actively involved in the 1st Annu-
al Science, Technology, & Innovation Forum for the SDGs,
under the auspices of ECOSOC, taking place 5‐6 June
2016. The team helped with drafting statements during
each session and co‐organized an official session on
young scientists and innovators. It also co‐hosted a
roundtable discussion with other civil society members on
“Leaving No One Behind ‐ the role of girls, women, indige-
nous knowledge, and informal systems in STI,” attended by
members of the UN MGCY, Women’s Major Group,
UNESCO, the Office of the Secretary General’s Envoy on
Youth (OSGEY), and others. Furthermore, the UN Advoca-
cy team helped organize a side event on building coher-
ence between the SPI initiatives of different sustainable
development agendas. This is part of a larger discussion
both within policy work and the long-term positioning of
the UN system on how to best align the different agendas
for effective, inclusive, and impactful change.
I.2. UNESCO
As NGO partners, IMCS
Pax Romana partici-
pated in many
UNESCO’s activities
during the year 2016.
We are highlighting
here the most im-
portant in which we
were involved.
Online preparatory framework for peace fo-
rum in Mexico;
Inputs for some relevant documents concern-
ing UNESCO Partner NGOs;
Participation to all important meetings and
conferences and
The General assembly of NGOs in official stat-
ute with UNESCO.
I.3 INTERNATIONAL SPECIALIZED CATHOLIC
ACTION MOVEMENTS (ISCAMs) MEETING
from 28 – 30 April 2016, 25 global leaders of ten
different specialized Catholic Action Movements
met in Rome, Italy to strengthen their collabora-
tion and to reflect together to find collective ways
to meet the common challenges of today and
more over to deepen their analysis on the apos-
tolic exhortation of His Holiness Pope Francis
“Evangelii Gaudium” through a critical reflection
on the issues affecting their Movements, the
Church and the world. The meeting was animat-
ed by the participants themselves with the mod-
eration of some theologians and movements
chaplains. After the meeting, a final declaration
was prepared to be send to Vatican authorities.
IMCS was part of this meeting where it
shared its works experience with other
specialised catholic action movements.
I.4 VISIT TO VATICAN
It has been a tradition that
at the beginning of each
international team’s man-
date there is a visit to some
of the Dicasteries with
which the movement col-
laborate more closely. The
new team followed the tra-
dition and undertook a visit
to the Vatican from 02 to
05 May 2016.
I.4.1 Pontifical Council for the Laity
The International Team Meeting was held at the Pon-
tifical Council for the Laity in the presence of Cardinal
Rylko, President of the Council, Dr. Philip Gerard Milli-
gan, Secretary of the Pontifical Council, and Stepha-
no De Pasquale Ceratti, Head of Relations with Or-
ganizations of lay people. It was the opportunity for
the new team to share its upcoming activities and
have some exchange of ideas with the responsible of
the dicastery.
While speaking, the Cardinal pointed out that IMCS
Pax Romana is well known and expressed his despair
at not seeing the teams coming to visit the dicastery
more often. He urged the team not to lose sight of
the basis of its actions because it would be necessary
to understand the meaning of formation to the faith
and to have roots. He stressed the importance of the
significant presence of IMCS members within universi-
ties and that they should be helped to ensure that
they are not liquid Christians without a firm bench-
mark.
He also raised the question of the migration of brains
and the affluent, leaving the poor countries in total
poverty. On the other hand, the "fragmentation of
knowledge" in university training was a concern that
he raised because it poses a danger in that students
are increasingly sharp in their fields of study but not
Wise because they lack a global vision of things.
A quotation has been taken up for reflection, saying:
"Who does not worship God, always gives little." A
photo shoot ended the visit.
I.4.2 Pontifical Council for the
Pastoral Care of Migrants and
Itinerant People
On 10th May, the IMCS International Team visited the of-
fice the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Mi-
grants and Itinerant People. Cardinal Antonio Maria
Veglio who was represented by the current Secretary,
Bishop Joseph Kalathiparambil and Msgr. Robinson Wi-
jesinghe attended the meeting.
After the introductions of the team of IMCS and discov-
ering more about the work of the pontifical council, es-
pecially the department in charge of international stu-
dents, Edouard Karoue made a presentation of the
movement explaining the identity, mission, vision and the
plan of action for the next four years. It was explained
very well that after an inquiry held by the former interna-
tional team, one of our high priorities during the next
year is to work and advocate on human rights and par-
ticularly on youth migration.
Subsequently, we presented the forthcoming Study Ses-
sion which is going to take place in Foligno in Italy with
the theme “Building Bridges: Protecting Migrants by Em-
powering Students”. The representatives of the Pontifical
Council were interested to know more about this activity
and were happy to support in case needed. The Inter-
national Team requested to have a resource person
from their office to run one of the sessions in Foligno talk-
ing about the position of the Catholic Church on the
theological implication of migration. That request was
welcomed by the representatives of the Pontifical Coun-
cil but needed further follow up communication. After
sharing on the mission of the pontifical council and shar-
ing experiences of the work with young people, the
team was recommended to visit from time to time the
website to see the ongoing work which could be inter-
esting for IMCS members. The meeting end with the ex-
change of contacts and an official picture.
I.4.3 Pontifical Council for Justice and
Peace
On the 10th May the visit of the International
Team of IMCS Pax Romana to the Pontifical
Council for Justice and Peace was held. The
team was welcomed by father Michael Czerny
S.J. and the Cardinal Peter Turkson joined the
meeting later. Being a Jesuit priest, IMCS was
already well known to father Michael
The team shared with father Michael the current
situation of the office and the challenges it is
facing. It shared as well some informations
about the regional coordination’s of the move-
ment and then briefly presented the Action Plan
for the years 2016-2019. Father Michael re-
marked the significance of the theme “Youth
Migration” to be in the priorities of a youth inter-
national movement and he highlighted the im-
portance for the church to be “present” and
“listen”. He was also happy to know that the
movement covers all the areas of social life and
he encouraged to not only try to cover the
whole world or the whole universe but also try to
be present in the regions and the local level. For
him, the relationship with the local church is very
important. One of the primary relationships
should be with the Bishops. Not only for them to
help the movement but also to help them, in
order to have deeper building of the move-
ment. The point being to continue to build up
the church.
In the meanwhile, Cardinal Peter Turkson had joined
the meeting and thereafter, both of them shared with
us some information about the Pontifical Council on
Justice and Peace like the celebration of the 50th an-
niversary in 2017. Eventually the discussion turned to
the issue of “Decent Work”, another field among the
next four year orientations of IMCS.
Finally, we discussed about Laudato Si and the IMCS
president presented our ideas for actions and also
the survey that has been shared with our members in
order to get their feedback after reading the encycli-
cal about how they perceived it according to their
local realities. Cardinal Turkson expressed high interest
in the results of such a survey and we engaged to
share the outcomes with them as soon as the process
concludes. The meeting ended with the thanks of the
team for their time and the wonderful exchanges.
I.5 105TH SESSION OF THE INTERNATIONAL
LABOR CONFERENCE
" Decent Work along the Global Value Chains: A Call for Re-
sponsibility and an Opportunity for Solidarity”
From 30 May to 10 June the 105th Session of the Inter-
national Labour Conference was held in Geneva. This
is the ILO’s highest decision-making body which
meets annually and brings together the tripartite dele-
gations (Government delegates, employers’ repre-
sentatives and workers’ representatives) from the Or-
ganization’s 187 member states. This year, the Interna-
tional Movement of Catholic Students was represent-
ed by Evelina Manola, secretary general of the move-
ment.
During these days, IMCS took part in several discus-
sions, workshops and committees and presenta-
tions. IMCS also participated in the workshop
“Decent Work along the Global Value Chains: A
Call for Responsibility and an Opportunity for Soli-
darity”, organized by CCIG, CIJOC, JOCI, MMTC,
Caritas Internationalis and the German Commission
for Justice and Peace in co-operation with WIEGO.
The first week of the conference ended with a
meeting with the Catholic Inspired Organizations
which gathered in order to exchange feedbacks
about the activities implemented so far, share infor-
mation and discuss the next steps for our actions.
I.6 WORLD YOUTH DAY
The World Youth Day 2016 took place from 26 to 31
July in Krakow, Poland. It was Pope Francis’ first
world youth day in terms of his participation in the
main events. To celebrate the event during the
extraordinary jubilee year of mercy, the theme for
this year’s world youth day was “Blessed are the
merciful, for they shall obtain mercy” (Mt 5:7).
Pope Francis has always been very vocal about
the need for social justice and equality. His homily
primarily addressed young people to be drivers of
change. Pope Francis urged young people to
take a step towards social action ; to join politics
and activism and to fight for their rights rather than
being swayed away in technology and becoming
couch potatoes. His clear message soared across
błonia park during the opening ceremony. Pope
Francis believes that young people have what it
takes to mobilize each other in bringing significant
change within the society, in environmental pro-
tection, and in being missionaries of
mercy.
His second encyclical ‘Laudato Si’ delivers profound
meaning to our common home : The Earth, and also
addresses the issue of consumerism, irresponsible
development, climate change, and global warming.
He speaks about the ‘throwaway’ culture that has
affected the environment and people including the
elderly and the poor as they are discarded as waste.
“Dear young people, we did not come into the
world to ‘vegetate’ … We came for another rea-
son: to leave a mark. The times we live in do not
call for young ‘couch potatoes’ but for young
people with shoes, or better, boots laced.” Said the
Pope Francis.
Beyond the celebration, IMCS has a stand at the
vocation center where it welcomed young people
and shared about it activity. The movement had
also the resposibility to animate a conference on
« crosscultural exchanges in work context » ; which
the president Edouard Karoue did.
I.7 JECI-MIEC EUROPEAN CONGRESS
The annual committee of JECI-MIEC (IYCS-IMCS)
European coordination was held from 10th to18th
September and hosted by SKAM in Slovenia (Celje).
The meeting had the participation of representa-
tives from more than 15 countries in Europe.
The first days of the Congress were used to wel-
come the participants, get to know each other, ex-
change about individual experiences, and focused
essentially on the new orientation guidelines 2017-
2020 that also included a reflection of the former
Orientation Guidelines and the reality of youth,
church and society in today´s Europe. It was the
opportunity for the outgoing team led by Simon
Fischer to give the report for participants on the
work done since the last congress and some orien-
tations for the upcoming years according to the
experience they had and the challenges.
The International team of IMCS Pax Romana was rep-
resented there by Edouard Karoue, the president,
who shared the work and the vision of the New Inter-
national team of the movement. On the last day of
the Congress, the participants had the opportunity
the join the National Youth Event “Sticna mladih”
which was the highlight of this week, in which lots of
beautiful people including the President of Slovenia,
Borut Pahor, participated.
The Congress welcomed the new elected European
team of JECI-MIEC after hard work on the statutes
and a democratic election.
The European Team 2017 framed by the International Move-
ments IMCS & IYCS. From left to right: Edouard Karoue
(IMCS), Simon Fischer (AKH Germany), Mariana Sousa (MCE
Portugal), Spela Pucelj (SKAM Slovenia), Jan Szypulski (KIK
ROMANA WORLD ASSEMBLY IN BAR-
CELONA
From 28th October to 1st November 2016, the Inter-
national Catholic Movement for Intellectual and Cul-
tural Affairs (IMICA- Pax Romana) held it 32nd Plenary
Assembly in Barcelona. There were delegates from all
the continents, more than 100 people representing
national or regional federations of the movement.
The theme chosen to reflect on the spirituality of the
movement and renew the commitment during the
assembly was “from indifference to mercy. Our com-
mitment?”
The first days were consecrated to reflections and
planification and at the last days, it was the time to
reflect on internal challenges and renew the leader-
ship of the movement at the international level. The
elections made a new team composed by Kevin
Ahern (Assistant Professor from New York) as Interna-
tional President and Philippe Ledouble (From France)
as Secretary General.
The floor was given to IMCS as well to present a short
description of the work done during the last months.
Beyond the work carried out during this assembly, it
was a great opportunity for IMCS Pax
Romana to meet its former leaders in per-
son and learn from their experience as
student’s leaders.I.8 ICMICA PAX
ICMICA PAX ROMANA
WORLD ASSEMBLY IN
BARCELONA
I.9 IV CONGRESS OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS IN ROME
From 28 November to 2 December 2016, the 4th International Students' Congress was held in
Rome on the theme " Evangelii Gaudium of POPE FRANCIS and moral challenges in the intellectual
world of international students, towards a healthier society”.
The aim of this meeting was to generate reflections and innovative solutions for the integration
and support of students living outside their countries. It was attended by about a hundred repre-
sentatives of Catholic universities (chaplains, students, rectors, pastoral agents, etc.) and chaplain-
cies from around the world.
Round tables, conferences and evenings were attended by international students who facilitated
several roundtables to share their experiences. Many theologists and Professors were invited as
well to give lectures on some specific topics chosen. This congress was marked by a special audi-
ence, Pope Francis who granted the
participants the pleasure of his assis-
tance to this meeting.
II. TRAININGS & CAMPAIGNS
The International office spent most of the year ani-
mating the church and some of UNESCO’s Interna-
tional days through social media (Facebook espe-
cially). It participates in many online platforms
(coordination of common international activities
with other organizations, input for statements, infor-
mation meetings, webinars, etc.). The most im-
portant online campaigns carried out are: Prepara-
tion of common statements with leaders of faith
based organisations on the climate change issue.
IMCS Pax Romana’s work this year was focused on
sustainable development where Laudato Si was the
main document used. Three main activities helped
to animate this campaign on Laudato Si:
II.1 INTERNATIONAL CAMPAIGN "LET'S
READ LAUDATO SI"
The members of the movement around the world
were asked to read at least part of the encyclical
Laudato Si in order to retain the essential ideas set
out therein. There was a specific repartition of the
document among all the six regions where the
movement is represented.
II.2 INQUIRY AND REPORT ON: "LAUDATO SI IN
THE WORLD OF CATHOLIC STUDENTS"
After mobilizing young people to read the encycli-
cal, an online questionnaire was sent to all members,
asking them to give their comments and propositions
for their local challenges. This Inquiry allowed to col-
lect the inputs of some students and IMCS leaders
worldwide in a report published the 1st of September
2016.
II.3 TRAINING AND COMMUNICATION CAMPAIGNS:
"Laudato Si and youth responsibility" (PHASIS I).
This campaign which aims to raise awareness
among young people to change their lifestyles in
line with Pope Franci’s call in his encyclical Laudato
Si, took place the first time in collaboration with
CIDSE in Kravov during the World Youth day under
the theme “Mercy for our common home”. The
workshop primarily aimed at empowering young
people in taking collective action and opting local
initiatives towards combating climate change.
The international campaign on Laudato Si on the
Sustainable Lifestyles was conducted with a great
success. The young participants, even though most
of them were not aware of the encyclical of Pope
Francis “Laudato Si”, expressed a high interest in lis-
tening to the messages it is trying to spread and to
share their own challenges at their local level. Finally,
after reflecting on the proposed lifestyle changes,
they took their commitments and some of them re-
quested all the necessary communication tools in
order to run the campaign within their network. The
campaign took place in the countries shown bellow.
POLAND, SPAIN, SLOVENIA, BENIN, BANGLADESH,
NEPAL, TOGO, PERU, PORTUGAL, GERMANY
In total, for the year 2016, the campaign reached
directly more than 4 000 young people worldwide.
II.4 POSTPONED
INTERNATIONAL
COUNCIL/ STUDY
SESSION IN ITALY
The first International Study session of the year 2016
was planned to take place in Italy (Foligno) on the
theme: “Building bridge: protecting migrants by em-
powering students”. Unfortunately, an earthquake
happened in a city close to Foligno (Amatrice) two
weeks before the date of the event. Since our col-
laborator (Caritas Foligno) was the one giving the
humanitarian assistance to affected families, it was
decided to postpone the study session to
the summer of 2017.
SLOVENIA
PORTUGAL
GERMANY
PERU
NEPAL
III. MONITORING VISITS
III.1 FUCI NATIONAL CONGRESS
The President of IMCS Pax Romana, at the invitation of
the Italian Federation of Catholic Students (FUCI), tra-
veled to Schieti for the national congress held from 05
to 08 May 2016. The congress focused on " Universities,
training, work: wich reality for wich prospects "
The session, based on the various conferences, al-
lowed to address the theme by deepening on its va-
rious aspects, such as: ethics and the social utility of
work, the importance of investment in training, youth
policies in Europe and Italy, etc. Beyond these confe-
rences and group reflection time, cultural activities
and Eucharistic celebrations fed the congress which
was attended by more than 150 delegates. The ses-
sion closed with the statutory and elective session
which led to the election of the new Bureau.
The president of IMCS Pax Romana, Edouard Karoue,
took the opportunity to meet with FUCI’s national
team members to discuss the involvement of FUCI in
the organization of the international session to be held
in Foligno.
It was also an opportunity to let the participants know
the new international team and the international acti-
vities it organizes for the benefit of all IMCS Pax Roma-
na members worldwide.
III.2 BANGLADESH CATHOLIC STUDENTS
MOVEMENT
The National Movement of IMCS in Bangladesh BCSM
Bangladesh Catholic Students Movement became 25
years old and it organized a jubilee celebration right
after their 21st annual national program. The theme of
this year’s national conference was “Invocating Chris-
tian Leadership, Service & Mercy” and it took place
from the 10th to 13th October 2016 in Dhaka, in the
center of the Catholic Bishop Conference of Bangla-
desh.
The international team of IMCS Pax Romana accept-
ed with great honor the invitation to join their activi-
ties and was represented by the Secretary General,
Evelina Manola. Other special guests who took part
were Cardinal Patrick D’ Rozario, the Apostolic Nun-
cio to Bangladesh Archibishop George Kocherry,
Bishops, Chaplains, former members of the national
movement and the regional coordinator of IMCS Asia
Pacific, Mr. Ravi Tissera
After the national conference ended, the celebra-
tions of the Silver Jubilee started with many special
guests and former members invited. This celebration
was a great opportunity for the international team to
visit the national movement, become aware of its
activities and, last but not least, let the national
members know that they are part of an international
family and by working together in solidarity we can
achieve great things and make a better impact in
the society.
III.3 ALL INDIA CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY
FEDERATION (AICUF)
From 15th to 20th October 2016 the international
team of IMCS Pax Romana represented by the sec-
retary general Evelina Manola, payed a monitoring
visit to the national movement of IMCS in India, the
All India Catholic University Federation (AICUF).
AICUF is one of the most well-known youth organi-
zations in India that has units in most of the Catholic
universities and approximately 20,000 members
across the country. Its ideology is based on “We
were born into an unjust society and we are deter-
mined not to leave it as we have found it”. The
Catholic students run several kinds of activities such
as rallies, publication of a monthly magazine on
social issues, camps, environmental activities, pro-
jects on justice and peace, etc.
During the visit, the international team member
had the possibility to visit three of the biggest states
in India: New Delhi, Chennai and Bangalore. In
each of the place the local members had planned
some presentations in order to show what their ac-
tivities at their state level are and how they function
according to their local reality.
III.4 MONITORING VISIT IN NEPAL
20-24 OCTOBER 2016
In Nepal there used to be in the past an IMCS
group but it wasn’t functioning anymore. The re-
gional coordinator of IMCS Asia Pacific started
communication with the local church and made
some efforts to in-
volve Catholic ter-
tiary students in re-
gional and international activities with no success.
The international team of IMCS, represented by the
Secretary General of IMCS Evelina Manola, accom-
panied by the regional coordinator of IMCS Asia Pa-
cific Ravi Tissera, visited Nepal in an effort to re-
establish a national movement of IMCS.
Making an assessment of the situation of the Catholic
university students in Nepal during the first days, it was
discovered that a Catholic action movement as IMCS
Pax Romana was not only missing but also needed
and requested by some of the students. The IMCS
representatives met with some of the youth leaders as
well as with representatives of the Catholic Church
who work with youth. An official meeting with the
Bishop of Nepal Rev. Paul Simick took place on the
23rd October 2016. Rev. Paul Simick knew very well the
IMCS movement and its mission and identified the
need of having a group there. His Excellency gave
with pleasure his permission to start discussions with St.
Xavier’ s College which is run by Jesuit Fathers and
has some Catholic Students. The same day a meeting
was organized with the principal College and since
as he showed their willing to start a movement for the
Catholic students, he agreed to start as soon as possi-
ble an IMCS unit. The unit officially started
with a mass on the 16th November 2016.
V.1 AFRICA
1. Visit to National movements.
The National Movement of Catholic students
(NMCS-Malawi) was visited by the Pan Afri-
can coordinator during their first National
Conference which too place on 8th to 10th
April 2016 at Salima technical college in Ma-
lawi. This was concluded by a national mass,
election and blessing of new national team
leaders.
NFCS was visited by the Pan African coordinator
between 20th October and 2nd November 2016.
The provinces visited were, Onitsha, Jos, and
Abuja.
Visit to The Nigeria Federation of
Catholic Students (NFCS)
NFCS leaders-Ebonyi
state university.
NFCS Leaders-
college of Education
Zuba-Abuja
Food and nutrition security training
and visit to MIEC Ivory coast and Burundi
Visit to South Africa-Association of Catholic
tertiary Students-ACTS
This visit was done by our sub regional coordi-
nator in Zambia-Tererai Madzivanyika
Terry-south African sub reg. coord with the National team in south Africa during the visit and conference.
IV.
3. Peace and reconciliation training
project in Central Africa republic.
This was done by our central Africa
sub regional coordinator Mr. Alain
Nkoy
4. Marking the year of Mercy.
5. Laudato si Theatre Project
This project targets to share the ideas of Laudato
using theatre; a stage play.
The script was written, rehearsed and performed.
The video will soon be launched on our youtube
channel.
6. Laudato si- E waste
Management project
This project is a sensitization based project on the
dangers of E-waste and house it can be managed.
National Movement of catholic students annu-
al national mass.
IV.
V.2 ASIA PACIFIC
The Asia Pacific coordination, even though it con-
fronted many challenges, was one of the most ac-
tive during the year. It carried out lot of activities
that cannot be developed here.
1. IMCS AP New Coordinator’s meeting
with Sri Lankan Chaplains
The new Asia Pa-
cific Coordinator
met the Chap-
lains and the pa-
tron bishop of Sri
Lanka University
Catholic Students
Movement (SLUCSM) on 19th January 2016 in the
Arch Bishop’s House in Colombo, Sri Lanka. During
the meeting chaplains wished the new coordinator
for his mission in IMCS and discussed the possibilities
to collaborate more with the international students’
movement.
(Left to right – Ravi Tissera (AP Coordinator), Fr. Di-
muthu Fonseka (Chaplain – Wayamba University of
Wayamba) , Rt. Rev. Dr. Maxwell Silva (Auxiliary Bish-
op of Colombo), Fr. Claude Perera O.M.I. (Chaplain
of University of Peradeniya), Fr. Jude Chrysantha
(Chaplain of Colombo Region), Fr. Bennette Mella-
wa (Chaplain of University of Rajarata), Fr. Damien
Arsakularatne (Chaplain of University of Ruhuna)).
2. IMCS Asia Pacific Transmission
Meeting
IMCS Asia Pacific Coordination transmission meet-
ing was held in the regional house in Las Pinas city
in Philippines from 29th to 31st January 2016. Former
and the new teams of IMCS Asia Pacific regional
coordination participated in the three-day long
The new regional team would be accompanied by
the former team for a three months’ time for the pur-
pose of transmission of memory.
(The former and the new Asia Pacific regional teams
appeared for a photo. From left to right – Ravi Tissera
(New Coordinator - Sri Lanka), Felicia Dian (Former
Coordinator – Indonesia), Ruki Fernando (New Lay
Chaplain – Sri Lanka), Runrana Suksamer (Intern),
Anne Beatrice (New Lay Chaplain – Malaysia), Rev.
Fr. Dr. Jojo Fung S.J. (Former Chaplain – Malaysia),
Rev. Fr. Bonifacius Boro Bin Ola (New Chaplain – In-
donesia))
meeting and the duties were handed over to the
new coordination team. During the meeting, the pre-
vious coordination’s mission was reviewed and the
former team shared their experiences and challeng-
es they faced during the past three years.
3. Youth Café on Migration with Philip-
pines Ecumenical youth
The International Movement of Catholic Students –
Asia Pacific (IMCS-AP), Kalipunan ng Kristiyanong
Kabataan sa Pilipinas (KKKP) and the National
Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP) held
a Youth Café under the theme of “ The stories within
and Outside Borders : Migration in Asia”
on May 21, 2016, at the Church of the
Risen Lord in the University of
IV.
Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City. More than 50 Young
people from different groups participated in the pro-
gramme, as well as speakers from the Migrant Forum
Asia (MFA). Migrants shared their insights and some
victims who faced violence and abuses as migrant
workers shared their stories, opening the practical re-
alities to the participants.
4. Abstract Art – voice for the urban poor in the
form of Art” in Metro Manila, Philippines
IMCS Asia Pacific coordination got the opportunity
to participate such effort of the French artist Nicolas
Ciarlone. During a one week in June 2016 he
had painted several ab-
stract murals in different
places of San Roque, an
urban poor area of Met-
ro Manila, the Philip-
pines. This project was
aimed at supporting the
inhabitants of the San Roque in their struggle
against the scheduled demolition of their neigh-
bourhood, due to a private and governmental pro-
ject which aims to turn the place into a new busi-
ness and commuting centre.
5. PrepCom 3 for UN Habitat III
Habitat III is the United Nations Conference on Hous-
ing and Sustainable Urban Development. Preparato-
ry Committee 3 for Habitat III was held in Surabaya,
Indonesia on 25-27 July 2016. Since IMCS had been
involved with Habitat III process through the UN Ma-
jor Group of Children and Youth since the beginning,
IMCS members could contribute to the PrepCom 3
as well. IMCS UN Advocacy Team Coordina-
tor, Christopher Dekki, IMCS Asia Pacific Coordinator
Ravi Tissera and the members of Indonesian IMCS
national movement, PMKRI participated the event
contributing to side events as panelists and
in advocacy. It was a good opportunity for local
IMCS members to observe and learn about the Unit-
ed Nations system and the international advocacy.
6. East Asia Programme - 2016
The International Movement of Catholic Students –
Asia Pacific region conducted the 2016 East Asia Sub
regional programme
(EAP 2016) in the Catho-
lic Youth Center in Seoul,
South Korea from 16th to
22nd August 2016 with
the participation of stu-
dents from member
movements in the region
such as WAKAGE-Japan,
Hong Kong Federation of Catholic Students (HKFCS)
and the host movement of the programme, Seoul
Federation of Catholic Students (SFCS) and Asia Pa-
cific coordinator Ravi Tissera representing the IMCS.
EAP 2016 was conducted under the theme of "Being
a Sincere Catholic youth in Injustice of
Capitalism"
7. Meeting with MYCS and CSNT students
On 28th of August 2016 Catholic Students Network of
Thailand (CSNT) met the AP coordinator in its national
office in Xavier Hall Church in Bangkok. CSNT Chap-
lain Fr. Beda Yassao SJ and the student leaders par-
ticipated in the meeting. CSNT leaders took the op-
portunity to explain the annual calendar of the na-
tional movement and to understand more about the
international movement. As a movement with dec-
ades long history CSNT explained their nationwide
events which are encouraging students to under-
stand the contemporary issues and address them crit-
ically. With the guidance of Jesuit chaplains
CSNT the students’ faith activism has come a
long way.
IV.
V.3 EUROPE
In Europe, there were
many national events
that the coordination
moderated. After the
European Congress
held in Slovenia, the
outgoing and incom-
ing team met in Paris
for a three-day work-
shop and transmission of memory. It was the opportunity
to exchange with the international teams of IMCS and
IYCS.
V.4 LATIN AMERICA
Latin American coordination had a training meeting for
advisers and chaplains of MIEC-JECI under the theme "A
movement to train disciples at the service of Mercy"
During 5 days, they saw the reality of Latin American re-
gion and the tasks of the movement in it, they have re-
flected on the way young students respond to the chal-
lenges of today and
how the advisers ac-
company their different
processes. Remaining
committed to student
youth as an important
agent of change in our
history, they reaffirm that the movement is a space for
maturing the faith, where young students learn to re-
spond to reality and get involved in it to achieve a more
dignified, just and human society.
V.5 MIDDLE EAST
The Middle-East MIEC-JECI coordination did not have
much activities because of the critical political atmos-
phere this year but at least organized the regional meet-
ing held in Lebanon
V.6 NORTH AMERICA
The North America coordination had many activi-
ties especially with Canada campus ministry. Here
we have chosed two main events of the year:
University of Prince Edwards Island, PEI;
National Canadian Catholic Students
Conference
Gathering of Catholic students across Cana-
da where new executives are appointed
for the year 2017 to lead the national
team and ensure communication across
all Canadian campuses
Blessed John Henry Newman Dinner
2nd Annual dinner that brought together stu-
dents from the UPEI community, Saint Dun-
stan’s University Board of Governors, Sisters
of Saint Mary and Catholics all over the
island. This dinner is to celebrate Catholic
education and honor Blessed John Henry
Newman and his contributions to the high-
er education
IV.
V. WHAT TO COME
FOR 2017?
A. HOPES We are in the process of welcoming two new
movements in the global family of IMCS Pax Roma-
na. Hopefully, West Papua and China movements
will be approved at the upcoming international
council.
B. UPCOMING EVENTS &
CALLS
Our social immersion and capacity building on
human right and social justice in Indonesia (9th-
19th July) _Call in January;
Our International training session on migrants in
Italy (August 2017)
Call for application for the IMCS-UN Task
Team_January;
Call for application for the IMCS-Media
Team_January;
Call for application for the IMCS-SPI working
group_January;
Call for Internship and volunteership _February;
Call for participants for short films competi-
tion_February;
Call for application for Eco Week Ends (EWES)
_February;
WE ARE GRATEFUL TO
for
supporting our annual plan
IMCS Pax Romana!
Build leaders, fight for a better world...
FINANCIAL REPORT 2016
EXPENSES
1* INTERNATIONAL SECRETARIAT 16 950,89
- Office charges, maintenance 5 970,43
-Communication (phone, mailing, internet) 4 633,55
- Stationary, equipment 831,09
- Accountancy 4 600,00
- visitors 760,34
- bank charges 155,48
2* INTERNATIONAL TEAM 33 002,64
- Indemnities 22 140,00
- trainings- meetings 239,99
- social charges 2 186,44
- Housing and social charges 8 306,21
- International chaplain travels 130,00
3* INTERNATIONAL ACTIONS -GLOBAL PROGRAMS 19 820,52
- Asia-pacific 2 774,54
- Africa 1 250,00
- Latin America 116,27
- Europe 939,34
- United Nations 487,75
- World Youth Day 5 420,19
3 005,92
- Laudato-Si 3 327,48
- Publications 2 499,03
TOTAL EXPENSES 69 774,05
INCOME
1 - SUBSIDES 68 167,44
CAREME SUISSE 25 610,54
C.C.F.D. 30 000,00
Papal Foundation 7 556,90
Jesuits Ireland 5 000,00
2 - SELF-FINANCING 1 606,61
Membership fees 250,00
Friends of IMCS 1 245,61
Financial products 111,00
TOTAL INCOME 69 774,05
Contact us!
INTERNATIONAL SECRETARIAT
7 Impasse Reille
75014 Paris, France
Tel: +33 (0) 1.45.44.70.75 - Fax:
+33 (0) 1.42.84.04.53
Website: www.imcs-miec.org,
E-mail: [email protected]
PRESIDENT
SECRETARY GENERAL
CHAPLAIN:
IMCS Pax Romana
Pax Romana IMCS-MIEC
@PaxRomanaIMCS
IMCS-MIEC
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